What does "sweaty" mean in gaming? Explained
What does sweaty mean in gaming?
If a player refers to someone as ‘sweaty’ or a ‘sweat’, they’re saying that person is playing too seriously or trying too hard to win. A similar, interchangeable term is a ‘try-hard’.
We know it sounds weird to be criticized for trying in an online game, so we’ll explain how this word is used in the gaming community.
What is a sweaty play?
You might get called a sweat in an online lobby for any of the following:
- Squaring the ball in a one-on-one in FIFA.
- Camping in an FPS.
- Not engaging an opponent in a knife fight even if they’re clearly about to lose.
- Using any weapons, tactics, or characters that are seen as OP.
Can you spot a 'sweat' just by looking at them?
Sweaty players may be identified by certain skins or camos typically associated with try-hards, as they may offer a competitive advantage or are worn by pro players. Examples of this include the 'Gaia' (Groot) operator in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III or the 'Aura' Fortnite skin.
Is being sweaty bad?
Being sweaty isn’t necessarily bad — in fact, it can actually be a good thing if you’re playing competitively. The kind of traits often win games.
In terms of community sentiment, a lot of players look down on anyone being too competitive, especially in casual modes. If you’re playing a fun game mode with friends and you’ve all agreed to use a jokey weapon, and yet you come equipped with your best-in-slot gear, then you’re probably being a sweat in the bad way.
Why use the word ‘sweaty’, though?
When a player is focusing extremely hard on a competitive game, their palms and face might begin to sweat. People use this word as an insult, then, to imply that another player is taking the situation too seriously.